Michael Rutter resumes his quest for the Bennetts British Superbike crown this Sunday, August 21, at Silverstone, but is expecting tough challenges to come in from not only his team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari, but also the Airwaves Ducati riders Leon Haslam and Gregorio Lavilla.

The HM Plant Honda rider, who is bidding to take the crown for the first time, has made the most of the month long break in the action to recover from the shoulder injuries sustained during qualifying for the previous round, though he is frustrated at missing vital test sessions.

He goes into the double race ninth round aiming to increase the 45 points advantage he holds over Kiyonari who heads for the Northamptonshire circuit in buoyant mood after his recent success in the Suzuka Eight Hours race.

“I expect that he will go well in these races as he knows the circuit and has also had a lot of time on the bike during his time back in Japan, and the more time you have riding, the better for you,” explained Rutter who has been forced to sit out the test sessions at both Cadwell Park and then at Silverstone as the broken collarbone and dislocated shoulder healed.

“It has been disappointing to miss those tests, but I have to focus on the job in hand and that is to win the title - I have been so close several times before that I have to make it stick this time,” said Rutter whose determination to achieve the `number one' plate is such that he rode through the pain barrier at Snetterton to take fifth and third placings despite the injuries suffered the previous day.

“I won first time out on the bike last year, and then took a third place at Silverstone, so would be happy with those results again, but preferably better - I enjoy the circuit, but know there will be some tough challenges coming in,” admitted Rutter.

Kiyonari apart, Haslam looks a likely threat after his lap record breaking performance in recent testing - the young Derbyshire rider, currently fourth in the rankings, is long overdue a second success of the campaign, while for his team-mate Lavilla finishing on the top step of the podium is imperative if he is to break the Honda stranglehold on the silverware.

The Spaniard claimed his third victory of the season last time out and now has to find a real degree of consistency if he is make a push for the crown - Lavilla needs victories, as does John Reynolds, the reigning champion, who is keen to show what might have been but for the horrific leg injuries sustained in a pre-season testing crash.

The Rizla Suzuki rider is back to fitness and form, and showed well in testing, as did his team-mate James Haydon, but, they will to deal with a new threat as Californian Ben Bostrom aboard the Koji Renegade Honda promises to shake-up the running order as he debuts into the series.

Sean Emmett returns to action after a lengthy break, allowing an elbow injury to heal, and he is keen to make an instant mark on a circuit where he enjoyed opening day glory two years ago - he heads up the Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha effort, with the team boosted by the winning double for Tommy Hill in the recent non-championship event at Castle Combe.

Hawk Kawasaki riders Glen Richards and Dean Thomas are keen to show their full potential, with the hard working team still to taste the winner's champagne this season, which is also the case for Stobart Honda though their riders Michael Laverty and Gary Mason are showing improving form.

Keep an eye also on Karl Harris, the former three times British Supersport Champion, along with John McGuinness riding now for Vitrans Honda, Steve Plater on the Hydrex Honda and Scott Smart aboard the Vivaldi Kawasaki - they all need positive results.

James Buckingham, riding the Quay Garage Suzuki, is aiming for a winning double to stay ahead of Honda riders Steve Brogan and Chris Martin in the chase for the British Superbike Cup.

Around the two British Superbike races, there is a full supporting programme. Leon Camier bids to tighten his grip on the Metabo British Supersport title, but under pressure from both Craig Jones and Stuart Easton, while in the British 125GP Championship Christian Elkin defends a three point lead over Rob Guiver at the top of the standings.

Lee Jackson needs to return to winning ways, after a recent lean spell, to peg back Aussie Paul Young in the chase for the Metzeler Racetec Superstock title while Billy McConnell, Jon Boy Lee and Ian Lowry scrap for honours in the Virgin Mobile Cup.

ends